§ 9. Mr. Sidney Shephardasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that licences for the building of village halls are refused by his Department; and, in view of the urgent need for these community centres, if he will reconsider the matter.
§ Mr. TomlinsonYes, Sir. It has been necessary in the existing difficult circumstances to refuse licences for the building of village halls in a number of cases, but such applications are sympathetically considered, if the work can be undertaken without prejudice to more urgent projects such as the provision of housing accommodation or other work of high priority. It is the practice to consult the local housing authority before granting or refusing a licence for this purpose.
§ Mr. ShephardWhile appreciating that houses must come first, may I ask if the Minister is aware that there is a real and urgent need for community centres in villages, and will be give an assurance that they will be given equal priority to schools?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI cannot give any assurance regarding equal priority, but I can assure the hon. Member that we realise the urgency, and wherever possible are meeting requests of this kind.